EP3655044A1 - Sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber - Google Patents

Sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber

Info

Publication number
EP3655044A1
EP3655044A1 EP19704681.6A EP19704681A EP3655044A1 EP 3655044 A1 EP3655044 A1 EP 3655044A1 EP 19704681 A EP19704681 A EP 19704681A EP 3655044 A1 EP3655044 A1 EP 3655044A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
storage chamber
sterilization
parisons
chamber
containers
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19704681.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Vittorio BELLINI
Gianmaria RABOINI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
GEA Procomac SpA
Original Assignee
GEA Procomac SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by GEA Procomac SpA filed Critical GEA Procomac SpA
Publication of EP3655044A1 publication Critical patent/EP3655044A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/18—Liquid substances or solutions comprising solids or dissolved gases
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B7/00—Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows
    • E06B7/16—Sealing arrangements on wings or parts co-operating with the wings
    • E06B7/22—Sealing arrangements on wings or parts co-operating with the wings by means of elastic edgings, e.g. elastic rubber tubes; by means of resilient edgings, e.g. felt or plush strips, resilient metal strips
    • E06B7/23—Plastic, sponge rubber, or like strips or tubes
    • E06B7/2318—Plastic, sponge rubber, or like strips or tubes by applying over- or under-pressure, e.g. inflatable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/12—Apparatus for isolating biocidal substances from the environment
    • A61L2202/122—Chambers for sterilisation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/12—Apparatus for isolating biocidal substances from the environment
    • A61L2202/123—Connecting means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
    • A61L2202/23—Containers, e.g. vials, bottles, syringes, mail

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and a method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber.
  • the reference sector is the bottling of so-called“sensitive” food products, that is, products that are particularly sensitive to bacteriological contamination and oxidation, such as, for example, isotonic drinks, juices, nectars, soft drinks, tea, milk-based drinks, coffee-based drinks, etc., for which the prevention of possible microbiological contamination throughout all packaging stages is of fundamental importance.
  • so-called“sensitive” food products that is, products that are particularly sensitive to bacteriological contamination and oxidation, such as, for example, isotonic drinks, juices, nectars, soft drinks, tea, milk-based drinks, coffee-based drinks, etc.
  • Packaging lines using aseptic technology are already known in the prior art, wherein the various operations take place in a controlled contamination environment, so that the bottled products can be stored for a prolonged period of time and have chemical/physical and organoleptic stability even at room temperature.
  • a“conventional” aseptic bottling line includes:
  • the focus here is on the management of discarded parisons or containers, for example in the event of jamming or line stops.
  • the technical task underpinning the present invention is to provide a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and a method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber, which obviate the drawbacks of the prior art cited above.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and a method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber, making it possible to reduce or eliminate the down times compared to solutions of the prior art, thereby increasing the production efficiency of the line.
  • the defined technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material, comprising:
  • a sterilization chamber configured to sterilize said parisons or containers with a chemical agent, said sterilization chamber having an outlet for the parisons or containers to be discarded;
  • the apparatus also comprises a device for supplying air into said storage chamber.
  • the first means comprise:
  • a first wall that is movable between a closed configuration wherein it is interposed between the outlet of the sterilization chamber and the inlet of the storage chamber in such a manner as to stop the stream of parisons or containers to be discarded from the sterilization chamber to the storage chamber, and an open configuration, wherein it does not interfere with the outlet of the sterilization chamber and the inlet of the storage chamber in such a manner as to allow the stream of parisons or containers to be discarded from the sterilization chamber to the storage chamber;
  • the first system of gaskets comprises first inflatable gaskets and a first supply circuit for supplying a gaseous fluid to the first inflatable gaskets.
  • the first means further comprise a first cylinder that is operatively active on the first wall to move it from the open configuration to the closed configuration and vice versa.
  • the first cylinder is located inside the storage chamber.
  • the second means comprise:
  • a second wall that is movable between a closed configuration wherein it is interposed between the outlet of the storage chamber and the external environment in such a manner as to stop the stream of parisons or containers to be discarded from the storage chamber to the external environment, and an open configuration, wherein it does not interfere with the outlet of the storage chamber in such a manner as to allow the evacuation of the parisons or containers from the storage chamber;
  • the second system of gaskets comprises second inflatable gaskets and a second supply circuit for supplying a gaseous fluid to the second inflatable gaskets.
  • the second means further comprise a second cylinder that is operatively active on the second wall to move it from the open configuration to the closed configuration and vice versa.
  • the second cylinder is located in the external environment.
  • the apparatus comprises a level sensor that is operatively active on the storage chamber to detect the level of the parisons or containers.
  • a weight sensor is present that is operatively active on the storage chamber to detect the weight of the parisons or containers present therein.
  • the extraction of the chemical agent from the storage chamber takes place by supplying air into the storage chamber in such a manner as to flush it with air and, at the same time, suck the chemical agent.
  • the step of putting the sterilization chamber in communication with the storage chamber occurs by sliding a first wall interposed between the chambers so that an outlet of the sterilization chamber leads into an inlet of the storage chamber.
  • the step of interrupting the communication between the chambers is then achieved by inverting the sliding direction of the first wall so that it is interposed between the inlet of the storage chamber and the outlet of the sterilization chamber.
  • the step of isolating the sterilization chamber from the storage chamber comprises a step of supplying a gaseous fluid to the first inflatable gaskets located in proximity to the first wall when the latter is interposed between the chambers.
  • the step of closing the outlet of the storage chamber takes place by sliding a second wall so that it is interposed between the outlet of the storage chamber and the external environment.
  • the step of opening the outlet of the storage chamber is therefore achieved by inverting the sliding direction of the second wall so that the outlet of the storage chamber leads into the external environment.
  • the step of isolating the storage chamber from the external environment comprises a step of supplying a gaseous fluid to the second inflatable gaskets located in proximity to the second wall when the latter is interposed between the outlet of the storage chamber and the external environment.
  • the method further comprises a step of detecting the level of the parisons or containers in the storage chamber.
  • the level detected reaches or exceeds a pre-established level, the communication is interrupted between the sterilization chamber and the storage chamber.
  • the method comprises a step of detecting the weight of the parisons or containers in the storage chamber.
  • the weight detected reaches or exceeds a pre-established weight, the communication is interrupted between the sterilization chamber and the storage chamber.
  • the method comprises a step of detecting the number of the parisons or containers in the storage chamber.
  • the number detected reaches or exceeds a pre- established number, the communication is interrupted between the sterilization chamber and the storage chamber.
  • FIG. 1 and 2 schematically show a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material, in accordance with the present invention, in two different operating steps;
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows a part of the sterilization apparatus of figures 1 -2, in a further operating step.
  • the number 1 indicates a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers 100 made of a thermoplastic material.
  • parisons 100 for the sake of brevity, it being understood that throughout the description, it can also refer to formed containers 100.
  • the sterilization apparatus comprises:
  • a sterilization chamber 2 configured to sterilize the parisons 100 with a chemical agent, such as hydrogen peroxide;
  • an extraction device 4 for extracting the chemical agent from the storage chamber 3 is envisaged.
  • this extraction device 4 is a suction device of known type.
  • a device for supplying air 14, for example compressed air, is also envisaged inside the storage chamber 3.
  • the sterilization chamber 2 and the storage chamber 3 can selectively communicate.
  • the sterilization apparatus 1 comprises first means 5 for enabling selective communication between an outlet 2a of the sterilization chamber 2 and an inlet 3a of the storage chamber 3.
  • the first means 5 comprise a first wall 15 and a first system of gaskets 25 associated with the first wall 15.
  • the first wall 15 is movable between a closed configuration wherein it is interposed between the outlet 2a of the sterilization chamber 2 and the inlet 3a of the storage chamber 3 in such a manner as to stop the stream of parisons 100 to be discarded from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 (see figure 1 ), and an open configuration, wherein it does not interfere with the outlet 2a of the sterilization chamber 2 and the inlet 3a of the storage chamber 3 in such a manner as to allow the stream of parisons 100 to be discarded from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 (see figure 2).
  • the movement of the first wall 15 from the closed configuration to the open configuration takes place by means of a first cylinder 55.
  • the first cylinder 55 is located inside the storage chamber 3 or in an adjoining area that is in fluid communication with the storage chamber 3.
  • the first system of gaskets 25 is operatively active on the first wall 15 in the closed configuration so as to realize a sealed-tight closure or separation between the sterilization chamber 2 and the storage chamber 3.
  • the first system of gaskets 25 comprises:
  • a first supply circuit 45 for supplying a gaseous fluid (e.g. air) to the first inflatable gaskets 35.
  • a gaseous fluid e.g. air
  • the storage chamber 3 can also selectively communicate with an external environment 200.
  • the sterilization apparatus 1 comprises second means 6 for enabling selective communication between an outlet 3b of the storage chamber 3 and the external environment 200.
  • the second means 6 comprise a second wall 16 and a second system of gaskets 26 associated with the second wall 16.
  • the second wall 16 is movable between a closed configuration wherein it is interposed between the outlet 3b of the storage chamber 3 and the external environment 200 in such a manner as to stop the stream of parisons 100 to be discarded from the storage chamber 3 to the external environment 200 (see figure 2), and an open configuration, wherein it does not interfere with the outlet 3b of the storage chamber 3 in such a manner as to allow the evacuation of the parisons 100 from the storage chamber 3 (see figure 1 ).
  • the movement of the second wall 16 from the closed configuration to the open configuration takes place by means of a second cylinder 56.
  • the second cylinder 56 is located in the external environment 200.
  • the actuation of the second cylinder 56 is separate and independent from the actuation of the first cylinder 55.
  • the second system of gaskets 26 is operatively active on the second wall 16 in the closed configuration so as to realize a sealed-tight closure or separation between the storage chamber 3 and the external environment 200.
  • the second system of gaskets 26 comprises:
  • a second supply circuit 46 for supplying a gaseous fluid (e.g. air) to the second inflatable gaskets 36.
  • a gaseous fluid e.g. air
  • Figure 3 shows a possible embodiment of the first and second supply circuits 45, 46.
  • the two supply circuits 45, 46 originate from a common pressure reducer 47, for example calibrated at a pressure of 1 bar.
  • the first supply circuit 45 comprises a first valve 451 , a second valve 452 connected to a discharge outlet and a pressure switch 453 configured to monitor the operating pressure.
  • the first valve 451 of the first supply circuit 45 is open, while the second valve 452 is closed.
  • the first valve 451 is closed while the second valve 452 is opened so that the gaseous fluid present in the gaskets 35 discharges.
  • the second supply circuit 46 comprises a first valve 461 , a second valve 462 connected to a discharge outlet and a pressure switch 463 configured to monitor the operating pressure.
  • the first valve 461 of the second supply circuit 46 is open, while the second valve 462 is closed.
  • the first valve 461 is closed while the second valve 462 is opened so that the gaseous fluid present in the gaskets 36 discharges.
  • the sterilization apparatus 1 further comprises a level sensor 7 that is operatively active on the storage chamber 3 to detect the level of the parisons 3.
  • a weight sensor e.g. load cell
  • the storage chamber 3 to detect the weight of the parisons 100 present therein.
  • the storage chamber 3 can be equipped with means configured to detect the number of parisons 100 that pass from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3.
  • the sterilization apparatus 1 proposed here is, for example, used to sterilize the parisons 100 prior to their forming.
  • the apparatus 1 is located upstream of an apparatus for aseptic forming.
  • the sterilization apparatus 1 can be used to sterilize formed containers.
  • the apparatus 1 is located downstream of an aseptic forming apparatus and upstream of a filling apparatus of the containers in a sterile environment.
  • the second wall 16 is instead in the closed configuration, thus the parisons 100 that have reached the storage chamber 3 remain in the latter.
  • the parisons 100 are stored one above the other above the second wall 16.
  • the second inflatable gaskets 36 form a seal because they are inflated, that is, filled with gaseous fluid (e.g. air).
  • gaseous fluid e.g. air
  • the stream of parisons 100 (to be discarded) from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 continues until the occurrence of a pre-established condition, after the communication between the sterilization chamber 2 and the accumulator chamber 3 is interrupted.
  • the level of the parisons 100 in the storage chamber 3 is detected by the level sensor 7.
  • the stream from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 is interrupted by putting the first wall 15 in the closed configuration.
  • pre-established condition is intended as reaching or exceeding the pre-established level.
  • a load cell is present instead of the level sensor 7, which detects the weight of the parisons 100 in the storage chamber 3.
  • the stream from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 is interrupted by putting the first wall 15 in the closed configuration.
  • pre-established condition is intended as reaching or exceeding the pre-established weight.
  • An embodiment variant envisages interrupting the stream from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 when a pre-established number of parisons 100 is reached or exceeded in the storage chamber 3.
  • pre-established condition is intended as reaching or exceeding the pre-established number.
  • the interruption of the stream of parisons 100 (to be discarded) from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 is carried out by putting the first wall 15 in the closed configuration.
  • the sterilization chamber 2 is also isolated from the storage chamber 3 by the introduction of the gaseous fluid (e.g. air) in the first inflatable gaskets 35 when the first wall 15 is in the closed configuration.
  • the gaseous fluid e.g. air
  • the storage chamber 3 is then cleaned thanks to the introduction of compressed air by the device 14 and, at the same time, thanks to the extraction of the chemical agent by the extraction device 4.
  • the devices 4, 14 are activated for a predefined period of time which is sufficient to ensure the cleaning of the storage chamber 3.
  • the parisons 100 can be discarded into the external environment 200 by opening the outlet 3b of the storage chamber 3.
  • the gaseous fluid is extracted from the second inflatable gaskets 36 and the second wall 16 passes into the open configuration.
  • the parisons 100 are preferably discarded onto a carriage 300 placed below the outlet 3b of the storage chamber 3.
  • the embodiment employing two movable walls and relative gasket systems is structurally simple, compact and reliable.

Abstract

A method for evacuating parisons (100) made of a thermoplastic material from a sterilization chamber (2) wherein they are subjected to sterilization with a chemical agent, comprising the steps of: - conveying the parisons (100) or containers to be evacuated towards a storage chamber (3) that is closed and isolated from an external environment (200); - interrupting the communication between the sterilization chamber (2) and the storage chamber (3) when the parisons (100) reach or exceed a pre-established level; - isolating the sterilization chamber (2) from the storage chamber (3); - extracting the chemical agent from the storage chamber (3); - discarding the parisons (100) from the storage chamber (3) into the external environment (200).

Description

DESCRIPTION
STERILIZATION APPARATUS FOR STERILIZING PARISONS OR CONTAINERS MADE OF A THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL AND METHOD FOR EVACUATING PARISONS OR CONTAINERS FROM A STERILIZATION CHAMBER
Technical field
The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and a method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber.
The reference sector is the bottling of so-called“sensitive” food products, that is, products that are particularly sensitive to bacteriological contamination and oxidation, such as, for example, isotonic drinks, juices, nectars, soft drinks, tea, milk-based drinks, coffee-based drinks, etc., for which the prevention of possible microbiological contamination throughout all packaging stages is of fundamental importance.
Background art
Packaging lines using aseptic technology are already known in the prior art, wherein the various operations take place in a controlled contamination environment, so that the bottled products can be stored for a prolonged period of time and have chemical/physical and organoleptic stability even at room temperature.
Aside from differences in design, a“conventional” aseptic bottling line includes:
- forming the container starting with a parison made of a thermoplastic material;
- sterilization of the formed container;
- rinsing, filling and capping of the filled container, to be carried out inside a clean room.
A modern concept of an aseptic bottling line instead envisages:
- sterilization of the parison;
- “aseptic” forming of the container starting from the sterilized parison; - filling and capping of the filled container, to be carried out in a sterile environment.
In this context, reference is made to the sterilization of the container or the parison by chemical agents, for example hydrogen peroxide.
The focus here is on the management of discarded parisons or containers, for example in the event of jamming or line stops.
If the parisons or containers are evacuated upstream of the corresponding sterilizing unit, it is possible to discard them directly into the external environment.
If, however, there is a need to evacuate parisons or containers downstream of the corresponding chemical sterilization units, purging them of hydrogen peroxide becomes necessary.
One solution proposed in WO2017/102539 envisages accumulating the discarded items in a drawer located at the base of the sterilizing unit.
When the drawer is full, the line is then stopped, the hydrogen peroxide is extracted, the drawer is removed, emptied and repositioned beneath the sterilizing unit.
The main limitation of this solution lies in the expenditure of time and costs due to the stop of the line.
In this context, the technical task underpinning the present invention is to provide a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and a method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber, which obviate the drawbacks of the prior art cited above.
Disclosure of the invention
In particular, the object of the present invention is to propose a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and a method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber, making it possible to reduce or eliminate the down times compared to solutions of the prior art, thereby increasing the production efficiency of the line. The defined technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material, comprising:
- a sterilization chamber configured to sterilize said parisons or containers with a chemical agent, said sterilization chamber having an outlet for the parisons or containers to be discarded;
- a storage chamber for discarded parisons or containers having an inlet and an outlet,
characterized in that it comprises:
- an extraction device for extracting the chemical agent from the storage chamber;
- first means for enabling selective communication between the outlet of said sterilization chamber and the inlet of said storage chamber;
- second means for enabling selective communication between the outlet of said storage chamber and an external environment.
Preferably, the apparatus also comprises a device for supplying air into said storage chamber.
In accordance with one embodiment, the first means comprise:
- a first wall that is movable between a closed configuration wherein it is interposed between the outlet of the sterilization chamber and the inlet of the storage chamber in such a manner as to stop the stream of parisons or containers to be discarded from the sterilization chamber to the storage chamber, and an open configuration, wherein it does not interfere with the outlet of the sterilization chamber and the inlet of the storage chamber in such a manner as to allow the stream of parisons or containers to be discarded from the sterilization chamber to the storage chamber;
- a first system of gaskets operatively active on the first wall in the closed configuration so as to realize a sealed-tight closure between the sterilization chamber and the storage chamber.
Preferably, the first system of gaskets comprises first inflatable gaskets and a first supply circuit for supplying a gaseous fluid to the first inflatable gaskets.
Preferably, the first means further comprise a first cylinder that is operatively active on the first wall to move it from the open configuration to the closed configuration and vice versa.
Preferably, the first cylinder is located inside the storage chamber.
In accordance with one embodiment, the second means comprise:
- a second wall that is movable between a closed configuration wherein it is interposed between the outlet of the storage chamber and the external environment in such a manner as to stop the stream of parisons or containers to be discarded from the storage chamber to the external environment, and an open configuration, wherein it does not interfere with the outlet of the storage chamber in such a manner as to allow the evacuation of the parisons or containers from the storage chamber;
- a second system of gaskets operatively active on the second wall in the closed configuration so as to realize a sealed-tight closure between the storage chamber and the external environment.
Preferably, the second system of gaskets comprises second inflatable gaskets and a second supply circuit for supplying a gaseous fluid to the second inflatable gaskets.
Preferably, the second means further comprise a second cylinder that is operatively active on the second wall to move it from the open configuration to the closed configuration and vice versa.
Preferably, the second cylinder is located in the external environment.
In accordance with one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a level sensor that is operatively active on the storage chamber to detect the level of the parisons or containers.
In accordance with an alternative embodiment, a weight sensor is present that is operatively active on the storage chamber to detect the weight of the parisons or containers present therein. The technical task mentioned and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber wherein they are subjected to sterilization with a chemical agent, comprising the steps of:
- conveying the parisons or containers to be evacuated towards a storage chamber having an outlet leading to an external environment;
- closing the outlet of the storage chamber and isolating it with respect to an external environment;
- putting the sterilization chamber in communication with the storage chamber;
- upon the occurrence of a pre-established condition, interrupting the communication between the sterilization chamber and the storage chamber;
- isolating the sterilization chamber from the storage chamber;
- extracting the chemical agent from the storage chamber;
- opening the outlet of the storage chamber and discarding the parisons or containers into the external environment.
Preferably, the extraction of the chemical agent from the storage chamber takes place by supplying air into the storage chamber in such a manner as to flush it with air and, at the same time, suck the chemical agent.
In accordance with one embodiment, the step of putting the sterilization chamber in communication with the storage chamber occurs by sliding a first wall interposed between the chambers so that an outlet of the sterilization chamber leads into an inlet of the storage chamber. The step of interrupting the communication between the chambers is then achieved by inverting the sliding direction of the first wall so that it is interposed between the inlet of the storage chamber and the outlet of the sterilization chamber.
Preferably, the step of isolating the sterilization chamber from the storage chamber comprises a step of supplying a gaseous fluid to the first inflatable gaskets located in proximity to the first wall when the latter is interposed between the chambers.
In accordance with one embodiment, the step of closing the outlet of the storage chamber takes place by sliding a second wall so that it is interposed between the outlet of the storage chamber and the external environment. The step of opening the outlet of the storage chamber is therefore achieved by inverting the sliding direction of the second wall so that the outlet of the storage chamber leads into the external environment. Preferably, the step of isolating the storage chamber from the external environment comprises a step of supplying a gaseous fluid to the second inflatable gaskets located in proximity to the second wall when the latter is interposed between the outlet of the storage chamber and the external environment.
In accordance with one embodiment, the method further comprises a step of detecting the level of the parisons or containers in the storage chamber. When the level detected reaches or exceeds a pre-established level, the communication is interrupted between the sterilization chamber and the storage chamber.
In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the method comprises a step of detecting the weight of the parisons or containers in the storage chamber. When the weight detected reaches or exceeds a pre-established weight, the communication is interrupted between the sterilization chamber and the storage chamber.
In accordance with a further embodiment variant, the method comprises a step of detecting the number of the parisons or containers in the storage chamber. When the number detected reaches or exceeds a pre- established number, the communication is interrupted between the sterilization chamber and the storage chamber.
Brief description of drawings
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will more fully emerge from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and a method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
- figures 1 and 2 schematically show a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material, in accordance with the present invention, in two different operating steps;
- figure 3 schematically shows a part of the sterilization apparatus of figures 1 -2, in a further operating step.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
With reference to the figures, the number 1 indicates a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers 100 made of a thermoplastic material. In the following, reference will be made to parisons 100 for the sake of brevity, it being understood that throughout the description, it can also refer to formed containers 100.
The sterilization apparatus comprises:
- a sterilization chamber 2 configured to sterilize the parisons 100 with a chemical agent, such as hydrogen peroxide;
- a storage chamber 3 for discarded parisons 100.
Advantageously, an extraction device 4 for extracting the chemical agent from the storage chamber 3 is envisaged. For example, this extraction device 4 is a suction device of known type.
A device for supplying air 14, for example compressed air, is also envisaged inside the storage chamber 3.
The sterilization chamber 2 and the storage chamber 3 can selectively communicate.
In particular, the sterilization apparatus 1 comprises first means 5 for enabling selective communication between an outlet 2a of the sterilization chamber 2 and an inlet 3a of the storage chamber 3.
In accordance with an embodiment described and illustrated herein, the first means 5 comprise a first wall 15 and a first system of gaskets 25 associated with the first wall 15. In particular, the first wall 15 is movable between a closed configuration wherein it is interposed between the outlet 2a of the sterilization chamber 2 and the inlet 3a of the storage chamber 3 in such a manner as to stop the stream of parisons 100 to be discarded from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 (see figure 1 ), and an open configuration, wherein it does not interfere with the outlet 2a of the sterilization chamber 2 and the inlet 3a of the storage chamber 3 in such a manner as to allow the stream of parisons 100 to be discarded from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 (see figure 2).
Preferably, the movement of the first wall 15 from the closed configuration to the open configuration (and vice versa) takes place by means of a first cylinder 55.
Preferably, the first cylinder 55 is located inside the storage chamber 3 or in an adjoining area that is in fluid communication with the storage chamber 3.
The first system of gaskets 25 is operatively active on the first wall 15 in the closed configuration so as to realize a sealed-tight closure or separation between the sterilization chamber 2 and the storage chamber 3.
Preferably, the first system of gaskets 25 comprises:
- first inflatable gaskets 35;
- a first supply circuit 45 for supplying a gaseous fluid (e.g. air) to the first inflatable gaskets 35.
The storage chamber 3 can also selectively communicate with an external environment 200.
In particular, the sterilization apparatus 1 comprises second means 6 for enabling selective communication between an outlet 3b of the storage chamber 3 and the external environment 200.
In accordance with an embodiment described and illustrated herein, the second means 6 comprise a second wall 16 and a second system of gaskets 26 associated with the second wall 16. In particular, the second wall 16 is movable between a closed configuration wherein it is interposed between the outlet 3b of the storage chamber 3 and the external environment 200 in such a manner as to stop the stream of parisons 100 to be discarded from the storage chamber 3 to the external environment 200 (see figure 2), and an open configuration, wherein it does not interfere with the outlet 3b of the storage chamber 3 in such a manner as to allow the evacuation of the parisons 100 from the storage chamber 3 (see figure 1 ).
Preferably, the movement of the second wall 16 from the closed configuration to the open configuration (and vice versa) takes place by means of a second cylinder 56.
Preferably, the second cylinder 56 is located in the external environment 200.
Preferably, the actuation of the second cylinder 56 is separate and independent from the actuation of the first cylinder 55.
The second system of gaskets 26 is operatively active on the second wall 16 in the closed configuration so as to realize a sealed-tight closure or separation between the storage chamber 3 and the external environment 200.
Preferably, the second system of gaskets 26 comprises:
- second inflatable gaskets 36;
- a second supply circuit 46 for supplying a gaseous fluid (e.g. air) to the second inflatable gaskets 36.
Figure 3 shows a possible embodiment of the first and second supply circuits 45, 46.
In particular, the two supply circuits 45, 46 originate from a common pressure reducer 47, for example calibrated at a pressure of 1 bar.
The first supply circuit 45 comprises a first valve 451 , a second valve 452 connected to a discharge outlet and a pressure switch 453 configured to monitor the operating pressure.
When the first inflatable gaskets 35 must be inflated, the first valve 451 of the first supply circuit 45 is open, while the second valve 452 is closed. When the first inflatable gaskets 35 must be deflated, the first valve 451 is closed while the second valve 452 is opened so that the gaseous fluid present in the gaskets 35 discharges.
The second supply circuit 46 comprises a first valve 461 , a second valve 462 connected to a discharge outlet and a pressure switch 463 configured to monitor the operating pressure.
When the second inflatable gaskets 36 must be inflated, the first valve 461 of the second supply circuit 46 is open, while the second valve 462 is closed.
When the second inflatable gaskets 36 must be deflated, the first valve 461 is closed while the second valve 462 is opened so that the gaseous fluid present in the gaskets 36 discharges.
In accordance with one embodiment, the sterilization apparatus 1 further comprises a level sensor 7 that is operatively active on the storage chamber 3 to detect the level of the parisons 3.
As an alternative to the level sensor, a weight sensor is envisaged (e.g. load cell) that is operatively active on the storage chamber 3 to detect the weight of the parisons 100 present therein.
As an alternative, the storage chamber 3 can be equipped with means configured to detect the number of parisons 100 that pass from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3.
The sterilization apparatus 1 proposed here is, for example, used to sterilize the parisons 100 prior to their forming. In this case, the apparatus 1 is located upstream of an apparatus for aseptic forming.
Alternatively, the sterilization apparatus 1 can be used to sterilize formed containers. In this case, the apparatus 1 is located downstream of an aseptic forming apparatus and upstream of a filling apparatus of the containers in a sterile environment.
The method for evacuating parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material from a sterilization chamber wherein they are subjected to sterilization with a chemical agent is described below.
To aid understanding, refer to figures 1 -2.
Consider figure 2 first, wherein the first wall 15 is in the open configuration, thus the parisons 100 can pass from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3.
The second wall 16 is instead in the closed configuration, thus the parisons 100 that have reached the storage chamber 3 remain in the latter. In particular, the parisons 100 are stored one above the other above the second wall 16.
The second inflatable gaskets 36 form a seal because they are inflated, that is, filled with gaseous fluid (e.g. air).
The stream of parisons 100 (to be discarded) from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 continues until the occurrence of a pre-established condition, after the communication between the sterilization chamber 2 and the accumulator chamber 3 is interrupted.
In accordance with one embodiment, the level of the parisons 100 in the storage chamber 3 is detected by the level sensor 7.
When the parisons 100 reach or exceed a pre-established level in the storage chamber 3, the stream from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 is interrupted by putting the first wall 15 in the closed configuration. In this case, the term "pre-established condition" is intended as reaching or exceeding the pre-established level.
In accordance with an embodiment variant, a load cell is present instead of the level sensor 7, which detects the weight of the parisons 100 in the storage chamber 3.
When the weight detected equals or exceeds a pre-established weight, the stream from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 is interrupted by putting the first wall 15 in the closed configuration. In this case, the term "pre-established condition" is intended as reaching or exceeding the pre-established weight.
An embodiment variant envisages interrupting the stream from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 when a pre-established number of parisons 100 is reached or exceeded in the storage chamber 3. In this case, the term "pre-established condition" is intended as reaching or exceeding the pre-established number.
In all these three embodiment variants, the interruption of the stream of parisons 100 (to be discarded) from the sterilization chamber 2 to the storage chamber 3 is carried out by putting the first wall 15 in the closed configuration.
The sterilization chamber 2 is also isolated from the storage chamber 3 by the introduction of the gaseous fluid (e.g. air) in the first inflatable gaskets 35 when the first wall 15 is in the closed configuration.
The storage chamber 3 is then cleaned thanks to the introduction of compressed air by the device 14 and, at the same time, thanks to the extraction of the chemical agent by the extraction device 4. The devices 4, 14 are activated for a predefined period of time which is sufficient to ensure the cleaning of the storage chamber 3.
At this point, the parisons 100 can be discarded into the external environment 200 by opening the outlet 3b of the storage chamber 3.
In particular, the gaseous fluid is extracted from the second inflatable gaskets 36 and the second wall 16 passes into the open configuration.
The parisons 100 are preferably discarded onto a carriage 300 placed below the outlet 3b of the storage chamber 3.
It is also possible to arrange a further level sensor (not shown) that is operatively active near the outlet 2a of the sterilization chamber 2, in addition to the level sensor 7 that monitors the level in the storage chamber 3. From the above description, the characteristics of the sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and the method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber, are clear, as are the advantages.
In particular, by providing a device for the extraction of the chemical agent from the storage chamber of the parisons (or containers) to be discarded and providing selective communication of this chamber with both the sterilization chamber and with the external environment, it is possible to evacuate the parisons (or containers) continuously during production.
There is thus no need to stop the line to evacuate the parisons or containers to be discarded.
Furthermore, the embodiment employing two movable walls and relative gasket systems is structurally simple, compact and reliable.

Claims

1. Sterilization apparatus (1 ) for sterilizing parisons or containers (100) made of a thermoplastic material, said apparatus comprising:
a sterilization chamber (2) configured to sterilize said parisons or containers (100) with a chemical agent, said sterilization chamber (2) having an outlet (2a) for the parisons or containers (100) to be discarded; a storage chamber (3) for storing discarded parisons or containers (100) and having an inlet (3a) and an outlet (3b),
characterized in that it comprises:
an extraction device (4) for extracting the chemical agent from the storage chamber (3);
first means (5) for enabling selective communication between the outlet (2a) of said sterilization chamber (2) and the inlet (3a) of said storage chamber (3);
second means (6) for enabling selective communication between the outlet (3b) of said storage chamber (3) and an external environment (200).
2. Sterilization apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said first means (5) comprises:
a first wall (15) that is movable between a closed configuration, in which it is interposed between the outlet (2a) of the sterilization chamber (2) and the inlet (3a) of the storage chamber (3) in such a manner as to stop the stream of parisons or containers (100) to be discarded from the sterilization chamber (2) to the storage chamber (3), and an open configuration, in which the first wall (15) does not interfere with the outlet (2a) of the sterilization chamber (2) and the inlet (3a) of the storage chamber (3) in such a manner as to enable the stream of parisons or containers (100) to be discarded from the sterilization chamber (2) to the storage chamber (3);
a first system of gaskets (25) that is operatively active on said first wall (15) in the closed configuration so as to realize a sealed-tight closure between the sterilization chamber (2) and the storage chamber (3).
3. Sterilization apparatus (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein said first system of gaskets (25) comprises:
first inflatable gaskets (35);
a first supply circuit (45) for supplying a gaseous fluid to said first inflatable gaskets (35).
4. Sterilization apparatus (1 ) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said first means (5) further comprises a first cylinder (55) that is operatively active on said first wall (15) to move it from the open configuration to the closed configuration and vice versa, said first cylinder (55) being located inside said storage chamber (3).
5. Sterilization apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second means (6) comprises:
a second wall (16) that is movable between a closed configuration, in which it is interposed between the outlet (3b) of the storage chamber (3) and external environment (200) in such a manner as to stop the stream of parisons or containers (100) to be discarded from the storage chamber (3) to the external environment (200), and an open configuration, in which the second wall (16) does not interfere with the outlet (3b) of the storage chamber (3) in such a manner as to enable evacuation of the parisons or containers (100) from the storage chamber (3).
a second system of gaskets (26) that is operatively active on said second wall (16) in the closed configuration so as to realize a sealed-tight closure between the storage chamber (3) and the external environment (200).
6. Sterilization apparatus (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein said second system of gaskets (26) comprises:
second inflatable gaskets (36);
a second supply circuit (46) for supplying a gaseous fluid to said second inflatable gaskets (36).
7. Sterilization apparatus (1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said second means (6) further comprises a second cylinder (56) that is operatively active on said second wall (16) to move it from the open configuration to the closed configuration and vice versa, said second cylinder (56) being located in the external environment (200).
8. Sterilization apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a level sensor (7) that is operatively active on said storage chamber (3) to detect the level of said parisons or containers (100).
9. Sterilization apparatus (1 ) according to claims 1 to 7, further comprising a weight sensor that is operatively active on said storage chamber (3) to detect the weight of the parisons or containers (100) present therein.
10. Sterilization apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a device for supplying air (14) into the storage chamber (3).
1 1. Method for evacuating parisons or containers (100) made of a thermoplastic material, from a sterilization chamber (2) in which they undergo sterilization with a chemical agent, and comprising the steps of: conveying the parisons or containers (100) to be evacuated towards a storage chamber (3) having an outlet (3b) leading to an external environment (200);
closing the outlet (3b) of the storage chamber (3) and isolating it with respect to an external environment (200);
setting the sterilization chamber (2) in communication with the storage chamber (3);
upon the occurrence of a pre-established condition, interrupting the communication between the sterilization chamber (2) and the storage chamber (3);
isolating the sterilization chamber (2) from the storage chamber (3);
extracting the chemical agent from the storage chamber (3);
opening the outlet (3b) of the storage chamber (3) and unloading the parisons or containers (100) into the external environment (200).
12. Method according to claim 1 1 , wherein the step of setting the sterilization chamber (2) and the storage chamber (3) in communication with each other takes place by sliding a first wall (15) interposed between said chambers (2, 3) so that an outlet (2a) of the sterilization chamber (2) leads into an inlet (3a) of the storage chamber (3), said step of interrupting the communication between said chambers (2, 3) being achieved by inverting the sliding direction of said first wall (15) so that said first wall (15) is interposed between the inlet (3a) of the storage chamber (3) and the outlet (2a) of the sterilization chamber (2).
13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the step of isolating the sterilization chamber (2) from the storage chamber (3) comprises a step of supplying a gaseous fluid to first inflatable gaskets (35) located in proximity to said first wall (15) when said first wall (15) is interposed between said chambers (2, 3).
14. Method according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the step of closing the outlet (3b) of the storage chamber (3) takes place by sliding a second wall (16) so that said second wall (16) is interposed between the outlet (3b) of the storage chamber (3) and the external environment (200), said step of opening the outlet (3b) of the storage chamber (3) being achieved by inverting the sliding direction of said second wall (16) so that the outlet (3b) of the storage chamber (3) leads into the external environment (200).
15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the step of isolating the storage chamber (3) from the external environment (200) comprises a step of supplying a gaseous fluid to second inflatable gaskets (36) located in proximity to said second wall (16) when said second wall (16) is interposed between the outlet (3b) of the storage chamber (3) and the external environment (200).
16. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising a step of detecting the level of the parisons or containers (100) in the storage chamber (3), and, upon reaching or exceeding a pre-established level, interrupting the communication between the sterilization chamber (2) and the storage chamber (3).
17. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising a step of detecting the weight of the parisons or containers (100) in the storage chamber (3), and, upon reaching or exceeding a pre-established weight, interrupting the communication between the sterilization chamber (2) and the storage chamber (3).
18. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising a step of detecting the number of parisons or containers (100) in the storage chamber (3), and, upon reaching or exceeding a pre-established number, interrupting the communication between the sterilization chamber (2) and the storage chamber (3).
19. Method according to any one of the claims 1 1 to 18, wherein the step of extracting the chemical agent from the storage chamber (3) takes place by supplying air into the storage chamber (3) and sucking said chemical agent.
EP19704681.6A 2018-02-27 2019-01-22 Sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber Withdrawn EP3655044A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102018000003097A IT201800003097A1 (en) 2018-02-27 2018-02-27 APPARATUS FOR THE STERILIZATION OF PREFORMS OR CONTAINERS IN THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL AND METHOD FOR EVACUATING PREFORMS OR CONTAINERS FROM A STERILIZATION CHAMBER
PCT/IB2019/050537 WO2019166884A1 (en) 2018-02-27 2019-01-22 Sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3655044A1 true EP3655044A1 (en) 2020-05-27

Family

ID=62223095

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19704681.6A Withdrawn EP3655044A1 (en) 2018-02-27 2019-01-22 Sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3655044A1 (en)
IT (1) IT201800003097A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2019166884A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2842427B1 (en) * 2002-07-17 2005-12-16 T E M Technologies Environneme DEVICE FOR PARCELLING AND DISINFECTING WASTE, MEDICAL WASTES IN PARTICULAR
JP4408194B2 (en) * 2002-09-10 2010-02-03 大日本印刷株式会社 Sterilization method and apparatus
US9321621B2 (en) * 2010-05-25 2016-04-26 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Aseptic filling system
DE102015122025A1 (en) * 2015-12-16 2017-06-22 Krones Ag Sterile blow molding machine with discharge for containers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT201800003097A1 (en) 2019-08-27
WO2019166884A1 (en) 2019-09-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP4428547B2 (en) Beverage filling equipment
US11459138B2 (en) Filling system
JP5232568B2 (en) Aseptic filling equipment for carbonated beverages
US9186856B2 (en) Circuit for exhausting air from a parison, system for supplying and exhausting air from a parison and aseptic moulding process using said circuit and said system
JP6830755B2 (en) Equipment and methods for filling containers with carbonated fillings
US11472092B2 (en) Sterile blow-moulding machine with ejection for containers
JP4784812B2 (en) Electron beam sterilization system
KR101454185B1 (en) Device for minimizing oxygen content
CN107848782B (en) Device for treating containers
ITMI20000622A1 (en) MECHANICAL SYSTEM TO FILL CONTAINERS WITH PRODUCT
WO2019166884A1 (en) Sterilization apparatus for sterilizing parisons or containers made of a thermoplastic material and method for evacuating parisons or containers from a sterilization chamber
CN112174077B (en) Cleaning verification in a device for filling containers
EP3172029B1 (en) Moulding device for moulding a container starting with a parison in plastic material and moulding machine comprising this device
DK2949585T3 (en) Method and device for filling bottles
CN112678753B (en) Cleaning verification in a device for filling containers
EP3490781B1 (en) Apparatus for manufacturing sterile containers, bottling plant comprising said apparatus and method for manufacturing a sterile container
JP6549694B2 (en) Method for molding and sterilizing containers made of plastic material, molding and sterilizing apparatus for containers made of plastic material, and molding and sterilizing mechanism
JP7436573B2 (en) Container handling equipment and methods for monitoring container handling equipment
CN110799448A (en) Device for handling containers in a filling plant for filling products
JP6176436B2 (en) Beverage container filling device and control method thereof
WO2000045862A1 (en) Method and apparatus for aseptic packaging

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20200221

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20210311

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20210722